Richland Baptist Church was constituted October 5, 1811, with 4 male and 8 female members. The first pastor was Rev. Micajah Fulghum. In June 1861 the ladies of this church made and presented a Confederate flag to the Twiggs Guard. Mrs. Isolene Minter Wimberley made the presentation to Sgt. Warren, color bearer of Co. I, 6th Georgia Regiment. During the war the ladies gathered in the church to prepare first aid kits. Doors of the church closed for regular services in 1911. The Richland Restoration League, Inc., was formed in 1928 to preserve this “Landmark of Christianity”.

Text of the Georgia Historical Commission Historic Marker

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Historic Richland Church is truly a landmark, both in terms of Christianity in Georgia and as an architectural gem, built between 1843-45. It’s the southernmost inland church I’ve found containing a slave gallery in Georgia, though there could be others; there are quite a few near the coast. This speaks to the dominance of agriculture as well as the social structure of the region in the years before the Civil War. Except for the slave gallery, it’s very similar in style to Mount Zion Presbyterian Church in Hancock County. Apparently, its builder also constructed some of Twiggs County’s historic plantation houses, a few of which are still standing today. Luckily, the Richland Restoration League which oversees the site today, is very active and keeps a watchful eye over the place. Vandalism in recent years has lead to more diligence, including regular law enforcement patrols, but that is unfortunately a problem for many such historic places. I’ve never been able to understand why anyone would disturb a place of worship. I’d like to thank Billy Humphries, a trustee of the church, for allowing me to publish these images. He has a real passion for its history and has been very helpful!

The church is not open to the public though it is still used by descendants for homecoming and other services. For more information, please visit Historic Richland Church at this link:

8 responses to “Richland Baptist Church, 1845, Twiggs County”

If anyone can help, my grandmother was a slave on the old richland plantation and I’m just trying to find out some history. She had a son named john w Sanders, a daughter named Lilly mae Sanders (Hughes ). Any information would be appreciated!!!!

This a stunning building, inside and out. It would seem that the preservationists could generate some revenue by renting it for weddings. It would be such a perfect setting. I love old churches and am so happy you allowed me to “visit” this one. The work you do is so appreciated.

I am so happy to see that you were able to photograph the interior as well as the outside of this grand old church. I had the privilege of being inside at a homecoming a few years ago–visiting with a friend whose family are decendants. These photographs are really magnificient. Thank you for sharing.